Manner of Maison Jansen

with a velvet inset panel to the top and single frieze drawer

Cecily Finn, 'Den Förtrollande Ladyn’ [The Enchanting Lady], Bonniers Månadstidning, 1954, p. 35, fig. 3, illustrated in the drawing room at Durham Cottage, Chelsea.

This table was used by Vivien as both a writing and latterly, on her move to Eaton Square, as a dressing table.

This chic table will require conservation or restoration. There are paint losses, chips, marks, scuffs and residual dirt to the paintwork throughout. Construction cracks, but the piece is solid. There are signs of over-painting and the piece is tired from much use. The velvet inset panel is tired and would benefit from a clean.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The name of Maison Jansen is today indissolubly linked to that of interior designer Stéphane Boudin (1888-1967), best known for being asked by Jacqueline Kennedy to join in the renovation of the White House from 1961 to 1963.  The Paris-based firm was founded in 1880 by Dutch-born Jean-Henri Jansen: in the years around the Second World War it specialised in combining traditional furnishings with new trends such as the Art Deco, Turkish, and Anglo-Japanese style, although its own production of furniture focused on high-quality replicas but also ingenious reinventions of the eighteenth century French styles. Over three decades, from the 1930s to 1960s, Jansen created fantastic interiors widely regarded as the epitome of Continental elegance for an international jet-set that included the Agnelli, Rockefeller, Rothschild, and Wrightsman families, as well as for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, interiors which had a profound and lasting influence on twentieth century design.